New Kongsberg multibeam echosounder completes trials

Kongsberg Maritime’s new deep-water multibeam echosounder system has completed its first trials onboard the NOAA vessel Okeanos Explorer offshore Florida.

Okeanos Explorer is the first vessel to be fitted with the EM 304 MKII transmit array, a comprehensive upgrade to the EM 302 deep-water multibeam system which has been deployed since the vessel was launched in 2008.

The new EM 304 MKII was put through its paces over the course of a 25-day expedition conducted by a team from NOAA Ocean Exploration.

The goal was to assess the functionality and readiness of all mapping-related equipment on the vessel, including an official authorization of the new system, before the remainder of the field season commences.

“It’s a pleasure to be working with NOAA on the first sea trial of the new MKII on Okeanos Explorer and it’s exciting to have confirmation that the new system meets all NOAA and KM expectations,” said Helge Uhlen, VP Underwater Mapping Sales at Kongsberg Maritime.

“The new EM 304 MKII system has truly remarkable long-range and high-resolution capabilities: it’s an important step towards revealing the secrets of the deep in much greater detail than has ever been possible before.”